Jogging the memories here Senor Pepe.Recall that as a gold medallist,and a pro with such a brilliant start,big things were expected of Franco.Always thought he was taller than six two but anno domini and all that.Think Wayne Bethea beat him first,then Joe Bygraves.
Any idea what happened after that,SP,or the reason for his decline?I think both the latter two opponents probably past their best.Bit of a mystery.Anyone?

Then, late in Round 4, Bethea unleashed a two-handed flurry, capped off by a wild
right-hand that dropped Franco. De Piccoli tried to climb to his feet but stumbled
back to the canvas, to be counted out at 2:42 of Round 4.

Before the bout, the Italian's regarded the veteran 31 year-old - 6' 0" 210 lb. New York
Heavyweight as an 'extremely' safe opponent. With a 'spotty record' of 25-17-2 (9 KO's),
Bethea had gone 4-4-0 (1 KO) in his last 9-bouts, dating back to January 1961, and he
had not fought in 6-Months.

Thanks Senor Pepe.Guess he never got his rematch.I suppose other than Primo Carnera,Francesco Damiani the most successful Italian at the weight.Seen a bit of him on TV lately.Know anything about the Joe Bygraves match?

Thanks Flea Man.
Thought I heard commentator in the Bethea fight say ''Groggi no".Dont know what it means in Italian but in English would have thought "Groggy,yes".
Benvenuti looked great,even as an amateur.Think it took Monzon to stop his run.
Recall Jim Wicks on TV calling Franco ''Piccolo''!
Thanks for starting this,Pepe,been great.